Match Day Sponsors: Pickfords
In the mid-1600s, the Pickford family was initially engaged in the business of mending roads, using packhorses to carry stone from the quarry in Cheshire to customers across the country. Thomas Pickford soon spotted the opportunity to generate income from the return journey and started to carry goods for other parties.
Today, Pickfords is the UK’s leading name in home moving and storage. The company has a national network of branches throughout the country, moving 40,000 people and businesses every year.
Pickfords delivers a range of services to support customers and clients at all stages. From Pickfords Man and Van, designed for small, local moves, through to Pickfords Gold, which specialises in high specification homes and complex moves, the company provides a service to suit every need.
Q1) Steve - How did you get involved with Bournemouth Rugby?
My family and I returned to Bournemouth in 2003 after a six year stint in Brussels. My son Robbie joined the club that year and played in the under-14s. He went through the age groups, and in 2009 the opportunity arose for me to coach the under-17s and -18s for three years. Robbie continues to play, although sadly is out for this season with a knee injury.
Q2) What does supporting the club mean to you both personally and your business?
Rugby is a unique sport where friendships continue long after the game has ended. I was privileged to have coached great kids and had the support of many terrific parents. Our friendships continue, with some of those boys still involved with the club today, and I am still in contact with others who have gone on to follow successful pursuits and careers outside of rugby.
Pickfords is an active supporter of the communities we serve. We love to get involved with local clubs, projects and charities, lending our time and resources for many a good cause. By sponsoring Bournemouth Rugby’s Match Day, we are demonstrating our support for a fantastic community club that provides a great opportunity for girls and boys to participate in a sport that is supported by unpaid volunteers.
Bournemouth Rugby’s focus on health and wellbeing aligns with Pickfords’ objective to create a healthier workplace for our employees. This year we teamed up with Cancer Research UK to raise awareness among staff and customers on the importance of living healthy lifestyles.
Q3) As match day sponsor, how important is it to thank clients and staff and invite them along to the day?
Firstly it’s important that we enjoy the day - win or lose. We have a very important former client amongst us – our chairman Phil Sinkinson. As many of you know, Phil is a retired diplomat with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and my current role with Pickfords is Government Services Director. In chatting with Phil, Pickfords safely moved him and his family many times over the years as he traversed the globe working for Her Majesty’s Government. As Match Day sponsor I hope my guests - clients, colleagues and friends - enjoy the day, meet new people and share the experience and excitement of the game.
Q4) As a local business, it is fantastic to have you here today for the match, do you have any closing comments?
Today is all about enjoying the occasion. Pickfords is delighted to sponsor the day. We all hope for a great game of thrilling, open, attractive rugby, and wish both teams well.
For any removals or storage requirements, please visit www.pickfords.co.uk or contact Steve directly 07774 456967 for more information.
